The Ascendance of South Asian Electronic Music: Insights from DJ KABU
As the world becomes more interconnected, the global music scene has taken off. Constantly evolving, with sounds from every corner of the world, we now have more access to a variety of different music, opening up opportunities for musicians around the world. One particularly vibrant and increasingly popular genre is South Asian electronic music, a beautiful fusion of traditional melodies and modern beats that’s captivating audiences worldwide. Long known for their colorful cinema, South Asian music has provided a backdrop for many popular films inspiring a generation there, and now finding its way to more international ears.
In order to understand this exciting movement, we sat down with KABU, a musician, producer, and audio technician born in India and taught through his many travels. Moving around a lot when he was younger KABU (given name Shrey Kaboo) fell in love with music during his time in New Delhi and Dubai when he was first introduced to the drums. From there he has gone on to pursue his passion which found him at the esteemed Berklee School of Music where he received a Bachelors of music in electronic production and design. Known for his unique approach to music, Kaboo is inspired by the cinematic music of Bollywood, and uses his platform to introduce the traditional rhythms of India to the world.
KABU’s connection to cinematic music runs deep. “In India, the music in movies is a huge deal—it can make or break a film,” he explains.
Growing up he was drawn to the power of these songs and how they were able to evoke strong emotions while inspiring movement and dance. He was particularly drawn to the music of the early 2000s within Indian cinema inspired by both its beautiful melodies and innovative production.
These early cinematic influences helped shape KABU’s approach to creating music. Giving justice to the sounds he grew up with, he doesn’t simply incorporate old songs, but rather reimagines them. “I take those iconic melodies I grew up with and infuse them with modern electronic elements, creating something that resonates with today’s audience while honoring the past,” he says. It is a way for KABU to tell a familiar story in a new way, bridging the gap between long time fans and a new generation of listeners.
The DJ and producer struggles when trying to pin down a favorite South Asian electronic artist. KABU enjoys a wide variety, with legends such as A.R. Rahman, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Amit Trivedi, and Salim- Sulaiman standing out to him. “These composers have pushed boundaries in blending Indian sounds with global music styles, long before it was mainstream,” he notes. While each of these individuals have influenced his own sound it is their dedication that inspires the DJ the most. He admires artists who have forged their own paths, creating great music while simultaneously shaping culture. Skrillex and A.R. Rahman are prime examples that he points to for their fearlessness when it comes to experimentation and their overall impact.
This admiration has now come full circle, as some of these very artists have taken notice of his work. KABU has earned recognition from industry leading figures such as Salim Merchant, Karan Kanchan, Savera, Kanishk Seth, Shefali Alvares, Tanvi Shah, and Tochi Raina—artists who, like him, continue to push musical boundaries. His collaboration with Merchant Records, one of South Asia’s leading record labels, further affirms his growing influence. His remix of ‘Ghar Aao Na (KABU Remix)” has amassed over 800K streams, a testament to how the very pioneers he once looked up to are now embracing and supporting his artistry.
So, what’s driving the global ascendance of South Asian electronic music? KABU points to technology and streaming platforms. “Music isn’t confined by geography anymore,” he explains. “A track created in Mumbai can be trending in New York within hours.” This accessibility breaks down borders when it comes to collaborations empowering independent artists to experiment more freely. He also highlights the evolving Indian music scene, which is moving away from being solely film-dependent and embracing a more independent ecosystem.
KABU’s own success is a testament to this shift. With over 18,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and hundreds of thousands of streams, his global audience extends far beyond the traditional boundaries of the scene. His numbers are well above the typical artist in South Asian electronic music, demonstrating how independent musicians and producers like him are carving out space on a worldwide stage.
KABU sees enormous potential for further innovation, particularly with Indian classical music. He draws a parallel to the evolution of Western genres, from jazz to rock to electronic music and pop. “I see the same potential for Indian music,” he says. “There’s a wealth of unexplored classical and folk elements that could be reimagined in the modern electronic space.”
Despite the rich cultural scene in South Asia, breaking into the U.S. market remains a challenge. KABU attributes this to market dynamics. “To break into any industry, an artist or brand has to offer something specific that connects deeply with an audience—whether that’s through personality, humor, opinions, or, of course, music.” He emphasizes that the U.S. music industry operates differently from India’s, and that while there’s a large South Asian population in the West, the mainstream industry here has its own distinct culture. “For an Indian artist to make it big in the U.S., they need to bring something fresh that appeals to everyone, not just Indian listeners.”
KABU has managed to overcome these difficulties with ease, proving his ability to bridge cultural and musical worlds. His success is evident in his invitations to perform at prestigious events and venues, marking his growing recognition in the industry. One of his standout moments was being selected to perform at the Berklee Commencement Concert 2023 alongside Usher, an opportunity that placed him among elite musicians and underscored his rising prominence.
Beyond these events, KABU has established himself as a regular headlining DJ at CandiBar Boston, a key nightlife spot, further cementing his place in the local electronic music scene. He has also become a go-to artist for event production companies, such as Boston Desi Events, Bandish Productions LLC, and Xtreme Productions, all of which cater to South Asian and global audiences. These consistent bookings and industry collaborations reflect not just his popularity, but also his ability to carve out a niche in a competitive market, successfully navigating the challenge of breaking into the U.S. music scene with ease.
Continuing on with the assimilation of South Asian music into Western culture, KABU used remixes as a creative outlet, releasing content daily on his social media.”I realized that remixing popular Hindi songs could be a great way to connect with listeners,” he says. While his remixes have garnered much attention, with thousands of downloads and millions of listens, he is focused on creating original music. Despite this shift, some remixes hold a special place in his heart. He particularly enjoyed working on “Barso Re,” “Fanaa,” and “Aaja Nachle,” because they involved strategically placed beat drops as well as reharmonization and a deep musical reimagining “Those tracks came together so naturally, almost effortlessly, and that’s when I know I’m creating something meaningful.”
While we have spent years tearing down both physical and figurative borders, there is still room for cultural growth. As accessibility continues at an all time high, the confluence of art forms promises to create new avenues for creativity. At the forefront of this movement is DJ KABU who is leading the charge, introducing the Western world to South Asian electronic music one beat drop at a time. Through his remixes and original pieces KABU looks to pay homage to the beautiful sounds of the home he grew up in.
Images courtesy of Ryan Michael Davis